Anambra Threatens Crackdown On Parties Flouting N50m Campaign Permit Rules

The Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA) has warned political parties violating the state’s ₦50 million campaign permit fee ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

ANSAA’s Managing Director, Tony Ujubuonu, said only five out of 16 registered parties have paid the mandatory fee, which covers the right to mount billboards, posters, banners, and other campaign materials across the state.

He named the compliant parties as the Young Progressives Party, African Democratic Congress, Action Alliance, Labour Party, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which paid most recently on July 2.

Ujubuonu criticised unnamed parties for flouting the regulation by launching outdoor campaigns without approval. He said one of them had ignored multiple notices and later submitted a backdated letter to avoid enforcement.

“Despite repeated warnings, some parties have continued with unauthorised promotional activities,” Ujubuonu said, citing incidents of posters, branded vehicles, and unapproved billboards being deployed across the state.

He also accused one party’s supporters of assaulting ANSAA enforcement officials at Nri community in Aniocha LGA. The matter has been reported to the police.

Ujubuonu stressed that the agency had exhausted all civil and legal avenues and would now begin strict enforcement.

His deputy, Chika Ngobiri, also recounted how his team narrowly escaped being attacked while attempting to enforce the law.

While some parties have opted to campaign through social media, radio, and television, ANSAA says these methods remain lawful as long as they stay within legal bounds.